What’s New for 2016?

Every new year, a wave of lasers, light-based treatments and injectables are introduced to the public. Some are welcome additions, while others are disappointing and don’t live up to their marketing hype.

There are several new technologies and treatments that were introduced in the latter half of 2015 that have the effectiveness and safety to be among the most popular treatments for 2016.

The new “It” laser for rejuvenation

One of the newest lasers for rejuvenation, scars, and pore size is a novel, first-of-its-kind, hybrid laser system called the HALO™. It is a hybrid device, which means it delivers two laser wavelengths (ablative and non-ablative) in a single treatment. Combining the laser wavelengths allows multiple skin issues, such as fine lines, wrinkles, pore size, brown spots and dullness, to be addressed at the same time. With minimal discomfort and recovery time, this innovative hybrid laser treatment can restore and rejuvenate skin giving it a youthful, radiant glow.

Say “goodbye” to a double chin

The new injectable drug, Kybella™, melts away submental fullness, better known as chin fat. Until recently, liposuction was the only option available to reduce a double chin, and it required an incision and some recovery. Kybella is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule that helps metabolize fat. After a series of injections – as little as two or as many as six – fat is dissolved and reduced without surgery or incisions. Another great option for a full neck is treatment with the CoolMini by Coolsculpting®. This technology harnesses the power of cold to reduce the number of fat cells in the double chin area with little swelling and bruising. So, if “losing the double chin” is on your wish list, 2016 will be the year to do it.

Turn back the “hands” of time

Radiesse® has the distinction of being the first injectable filler that gained FDA approval to plump aging, volume-depleted hands. It is a dermal filler that improves the appearance of hands while also stimulating the skin’s own natural collagen to deliver long-lasting results (up to a year in some cases). In my experience, two sessions of a modest amount of Radiesse, delivered about a month apart, helps to minimize swelling and bruising after treatment. If sunspots on the hands are also a concern, Radiesse can be performed on the same day as a light-based treatment to lighten the discoloration. Since the recovery for both treatments is approximately the same, it’s a perfect combination to have done together to achieve great results on the hands with as little recovery time as possible.